Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund)
This grant is available to property owners who intend to refurbish a vacant property to turn it into their permanent home or to rent it out to tenants.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you own the property already or if you are in the process of buying it.
If you're in the process of buying the property you'll need to provide proof that you're in active negotiations to make the purchase, for instance confirmation from the estate agent or the current owner. The grant will not be paid until after the purchase goes through.
What kind of properties are eligible for the grant?
Eligible properties must have been built up to and including 2007.
The property must have been vacant for at least two years when you make your application. A property cannot be deliberately left vacant in order to qualify for the grant.
Properties that were not previously in residential use may be eligible for the grant, as long as the appropriate planning permission is now in place.
You will need to confirm in your application whether you intend to make the property your permanent home or whether you intend to rent it out. If you intend to rent it out the tenancy you will need to register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) before the grant is paid.
How much is available?
Up to €50,000 may be awarded under this scheme.
If the property is derelict an additional top-up grant of €20,000 may be available, bringing the maximum amount of grant up to €70,000 for a derelict property. To qualify for the top-up you'll need proof that the property is structurally unsound and dangerous, or that the property is on the local authority's Derelict Sites Register.
You need to live in or rent out the property for at least 5 years after the grant is paid. There are clawback conditions in place. This means that if you sell the property, move out, or if it's no longer available to rent within 10 years you will need to pay back the local authority some or all of the grant.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can be used to refurbish the property and make it suitable for use as a home. All works proposed must be approved by the local authority in advance.
How are applications assessed?
Once your local authority reviews your application and makes sure it meets the conditions of the scheme, they will arrange for technical staff to visit the property and assess the projected costs. If your application is successful they will let you know in writing.
How do I apply?
To apply for the grant submit your application form and supporting documentation to your local authority's housing section.
You can download the application form from here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/